Finally, British expats and visitors trapped all across the UAE are now being repatriated via chartered flights.

Several thousand British expats, residents and visitors have been stranded in Dubai and the rest of the UAE, with no idea when the British government would organise repatriation flights. As a result of coordination between the two governments, the first batch of 345 Brits flew out on Sunday from Dubai International Airport in a specially chartered plane. UAE airspace was closed March 26, leaving a large number of worried Britons wondering if they’d ever get home.

British Ambassador to the UAE Patrick Moody was at the airport to wish the relieved Brits a safe journey and thank the Emirati authorities as well as Emirates Airlines for their help with the ongoing repatriation. He added he’s especially pleased that a number of Emirati citizens trapped in the UK had returned safely earlier in the week. As regards the remainder of trapped British citizens, the UAE’s airlines will continue operating a limited number of charter flights in order to repatriate British tourists and expatriates.

Several days ago, a number of international flights by Emirates Airlines were scheduled and will run to April 20th, with Eitihad Airlines also resuming some of its routes. All flights are intended to help expats and visitors who’re still in the UAE to leave, with those affected asked to contact their embassies regarding the process of repatriation. For Britons still in the UAE who wish to leave, there are now a number of flights from Dubai to London’s Heathrow Airport.